Sources told ESPN that Jack Eichel will undergo artificial disk replacement surgery within the week following his trade from the Buffalo Sabres for the Vegas Golden Knights Thursday morning.
Sources confirmed that Buffalo will receive Peyton Krebs and Alex Tuch as a return. They are both a 2022 draft pick in the first round and a 2023 second-rounder. As part of the deal, Vegas will also receive a draft pick.
Sources told ESPN that Buffalo did not retain any salary in the agreement. TSN first reported the deal. It is currently awaiting a trade call.
Sources told ESPN that the Calgary Flames had also been in talks with Buffalo's GM Kevyn Adam this week.
Eichel, 25, was No. In 2015, Buffalo selected Eichel as the No. 2. He is currently in the fourth year on an eight-year contract worth $80 million. This year will also be the last before the full no-movement clause takes effect next summer. His relationship with Buffalo was strained last season due to a dispute over the treatment of a herniated disc in his neck.
Because Eichel has never had an artificial disc replacement performed on an NHL player, the Sabres preferred Eichel to undergo fusion surgery. The NHL Collective bargaining Agreement rules give teams the final say in how injuries are treated.
Sources told ESPN that Eichel was able to have his preferred surgery in Vegas and with most of the teams Eichel talked to.
Buffalo removed Eichel from his captaincy and he is now on injured reserve. Eichel has scored 355 points in 375 career Buffalo games in six seasons.
Eichel will likely be able to skate within six weeks of his surgery. However, it will take at least three months before he can contact. This timeline would place Eichel's return after the All Star break. It also likely means that he will not be able to compete in the 2022 Olympics for Team USA.
